Background: The research on the therapeutic applications of psychedelics is widely covered in the popular media. There are concerns that these communications may have an impact on nonmedical use. Moreover, it is unclear to what extent recreational users use psychedelics self-therapeutically. 

Methods: This study sought to explore self-therapeutic use of psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine among Dutch nightlife attendees. Data used for analyses were from the Big Nightlife Survey 2023. The total sample consisted of 7,012 past year nightlife attendees aged 16-35. A mixed-method approach was used. Descriptive analyses were conducted for quantitative data. Qualitative responses were coded, and emerging themes were identified and described. 

Results: The majority of the respondents was aware of the (potential) therapeutic applications of MDMA (65.6%), psilocybin (64.9%), and ketamine (51.8%). Among the past year users of psilocybin (n=690), MDMA (n=3,583) and ketamine (n=1,491), respectively 15.7%, 6.7% and 5.7% applied the substance self-therapeutically (i.e. to reduce psychological or emotional problems). Almost all (80-90%) respondents who had used one of these substances self-therapeutically indicated that this (temporarily) helped them. However, in some cases, self-therapeutic use seemed to cause or aggravate (severe) problems. 

Conclusions: The media coverage of the therapeutic applications of psychedelics reaches Dutch nightlife attendees, and some of them use these substances for therapeutic purposes. The effects seem to be temporary, and in a small group self-therapeutic use leads to a worsening of problems. Potential negative effects of nonmedical psychedelic use on (mental) health should be clearly communicated when discussing the benefits in a therapeutic context.